Codeine

Codeine is not recommended to take Codeine if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before taking Codeine, inform your doctor if you have if you are suffering a head injury or increased pressure in the brain, severe breathing problems, severe liver, kidney, heart failure, history of heart attack or stroke, acute alcoholism, diarrhoea due to inflammation of the bowel or poisoning and problems with blood circulation. Codeine is a habit-forming drug, so there is a risk of dependence on Codeine. So, before stopping Codeine, contact a doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors, or general unwell feelings. It is not recommended for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It should be used with caution in elderly patients. Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects. Codeine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert. Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and Codeine is not recommended simultaneously. If you notice chest pain, breathing difficulties, weakness, or slurry speech, STOP the medication and immediately inform your doctor.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Codeine is known to interact with some medicines used to relieve anxiety (lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam), anticonvulsant medication (pregabalin), an atypical antipsychotic medication (quetiapine), narcotic analgesic medication (oxycodone), and medicines used to treat depression (linezolid, moclobemide, selegiline)

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may increase dizziness and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Codeine should not be used in patients with impaired GI motility, infectious diarrhoea, liver disease, prematurity, acute alcohol intoxication, drug dependence, gastrointestinal obstruction, hypotension, intracranial pressure and respiratory depression.

• Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
• Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
• Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating nutritious food.
• Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
• Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
• Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
• Foods containing flavonoids, such as soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea, help reduce inflammation.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Do not stop taking Codeine abruptly. It may cause withdrawal reactions such as restlessness, difficulty speaking, agitation, anxiety, palpitations (pounding or racing heart), increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, tremors, and sweating. The doctor gradually reduces the dose before completely stopping the medicine.
• Please do not increase the dose or use it frequently without consulting your doctor, leading to addiction.
• It is not recommended to take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and Codeine simultaneously. You should wait 14 days after discontinuing MAOI before using the Codeine.
• Inform your doctor that you are taking Codeine before undergoing any surgery, medical or dental treatment.